philanthropist

American  

[fi-lan-thruh-pist] / fɪˈlæn θrə pɪst /

noun

1. a person, typically a wealthy one, who has an altruistic concern for human welfare and shows it by donating money, property, time, or work to aid people in need or to support institutions that serve the public.

   In his private life he was a major philanthropist who spent over $2 billion on causes ranging from education to healthcare.

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Other Word Forms

• philanthropistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of philanthropist

First recorded in 1720–30; philanthrop(y) + -ist

Example Sentences

As portfolios go, the one put forward by John Arnold, the billionaire energy trader turned philanthropist, doesn’t get simpler.

From MarketWatch

Still, “the more traditional families are smaller and being presented with greater and greater needs,” Olatoye said, adding that the city needs to diversify the types of philanthropists investing in its downtown recovery efforts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Government officials hosted an eclectic mix of wealthy philanthropists, alternative medicine influencers, health tech executives, and medical researchers to discuss a wide range of issues, from Lyme disease to gut health.

From Salon

The potential for more people to become philanthropists is considered significant by the report authors.

From Barron's

Founded in 1959 by the late billionaire philanthropist and spiritual leader Aga Khan, it aimed to give a voice to the majority African population, the company says in its profile.

From BBC

Related Words

• benefactor
• contributor
• donor
• patron